Itsamia
Itsamia is a village in Moheli. It is at the eastern point of Moheli Island.
Understand
Itsamia is a small and isolated village. Locals shop in Fomboni.
Most travellers come to Itsamia to see the turtles nesting at the beach during the night. The chances to see turtles are very high all year round, although the best time is May to July when over 40 turtles arrive every night on the beach.
Despite its charms Itsamia is still very unknown and remote. There are no shops or restaurants. It is a perfect place to just lay down and relax.
Get in
By bus
There are two buses in Itsamia heading to Fomboni. Both leave at 5AM as the main purpose is that villagers can sell the groceries in the market, the ride to Fomboni takes less than 30 minutes. From Fomboni to Itsamia you must catch these same buses on the way back, if you are unlucky and you miss them you can also take any bus to Wanani and either walk 12 km distance to Itsamia or try to catch a taxi or hitchhike from here. Due to the fuel shortage there are very limited cars, so most people start walking and eventually get a vehicle. If you are planning to take the bus early in the morning booking a seat is a must. The association can book your seat for you without commission.
By private taxi
From Fomboni, or any other point in the island, private taxis can take you to Itsamia. Negotiate the price first. If you will the association can arrange you a private car to go to Nioumachoua for FC25.000.
By boat
The association can arrange you a boat to your next destination. A trip boat to Nioumachoua costs FC40.000, per boat. No matter how many passengers. Plus it can be combined with a visit to the Islot for FC60.000.
Get around
See
- Turtle house (At the beach, right at the opposite point of the bungalows). It is a project of visitors centre focus on turtles marines life. It contains all existing documents in the natural park about green turtles. It is a good place to get some explanations and better understanding about green turtles life Gratis.
Do
- Hiking to Dziani Boundouni lake. This is one of the few sweet lakes in Comoros, it belongs to the RAMSAR Convention on Wetlands of International Importance since 1995. Together in collaboration with UNESCO work to preserve this natural resource, although the lake is endangered due to the tree felling and uses of cattle. Formerly the lake was a volcano crater, therefore it is said the water is sulphurose. Don't miss the views of the coast from the top of the hill. One can be tempted to hike to the lake on your own, but it is not recommended as there are many paths in the forest and tracking the right one can be tricky. Plus, guides always give you a better understanding of the environment. Guiding hike costs FC6.500 for one person, FC7.000 for two people.
- Watching turtles. The gem of the natural park: Green turtles (Chelonia mydas) nesting. Watching the turtles must be done with a guide, ask the instructions before starting the visit and be sure you understand. Turtles are susceptible to get scared, in this case turtles will come back to the water, stopping the nesting and risking the life of the future turtles. Green turtles are seriously endangered and their lives should be taken with responsibility and respect. The night excursion costs FC2.500 per person.
- Saving newborn turtles. Sunset and sunrise are the times when the turtle hatchlings get off the nest and start their dangerous run to the water. In these few metres, all kind of predators will try to hunt the babies. If you are present during the run, help! Do not touch the turtles, it is very important that they find the water by themselves. Just scare the birds and crabs away, so the maximum other newborns can make it safe to the water. Gratis.
- 28th May festival. Every 28th, Itsamia commemorates the International Day of the Marine Turtle. All locals participate in the party, they organise all sort of events and even national authorities come to celebrate, the governor is an usual participant. The event can get postponed if the 28th May falls on Ramadan celebration. Gratis.
- Visit to the Islot. Right in from of Itsamia one can see a mysterious white islot. It is home of an amazing water wildlife. A day of snorkelling and exploring the Islot is an unforgettable experience, don't forget your glasses at home. The association do not have equipment to rent Renting a boat costs FC30.000 per day, no matter how many passengers.
Buy
There is no market nor supermarket in Itsamia. If you need any food bring it yourself.
Eat
There are no restaurants in Itsamia, but if you wish you can eat at the restaurant of the communitary bungalows. Take in consideration that you must order in advance.
Drink
Sleep
- Community bungalows, Itsamia (At west end of the beach), ☏ +269 3628079, Adsei.Itsamia@yahoo.fr. These three bungalows where built up by initiative of the local community with the pursue of developing their economy and educate their equals in environmental conservation. Bungalows are run by a group volunteers from the village which form a management group that is elected democratically every two years. All them are volunteering, only the cook is an employee. Since there is no taxes system anywhere in Comoros the incomes from the communitary bungalows reverts on the village. Indeed the road from Fomboni to Itsamia is really good just because the community paid for it with the income from the bungalows. Bungalows are simple, but clean and well maintained. The staff is really friendly and helpful, every excursion you may wish can be arranged by them Bungalows cost FC12.500 per night with breakfast included. Meals cost FC2.500.
Connect
By 2018 there was no Telma signal in he village, with the exception of one spot near the primary school, but Comores Telecom had good signal. By the same time there was no internet connection in the village.